Everyone in the United States who is not a U.S. citizen needs some kind of visa to be here legally. Visas are divided into two categories: temporary (nonimmigrant) and permanent (immigrant). The goal of anyone seeking permanent residence is to maintain a series of valid temporary visas while in the U.S. until he or she becomes eligible to apply for a permanent visa. Some people may qualify for a temporary visa and not permanent residence, while others may be able to get a permanent visa, but are not eligible for any temporary visa.